How to use the App Store in iOS 11

The App Store has undergone its biggest ever redesign in iOS 11, with a focus on original content and making it easier to find and download new apps and games. It’s all new – even the App Store logo has had a facelift.

While it’s a welcome change (especially for iOS gamers), there are a few differences in the way that the App Store operates in iOS 11. Don’t worry, as here we explain what’s new and how to use the App Store in iOS 11.

Want to see the new App Store for yourself? Here’s how to install the iOS 11 beta. 

Discover new content on the iOS 11 App Store

But what makes the redesign so great? First up is the new Today tab. In an App Store first, the Today tab offers original content written by Apple editors, from stories on indie developers to how-to guides helping you to get the most out of your apps.

It’ll also be where Apple showcases new game and app releases and other exclusive content, including interviews with celebrities about their favourite apps and more.

The Today tab isn’t the only new feature; Games and Apps now have separate tabs, making it easier to discover games when you want to have a gaming session, and apps when you’re on the hunt for something new.

The tabs offer recommendations and information on newly released content alongside charts and handpicked collections created by Apple editors. The content will be constantly refreshed, providing a gateway to content that you might not have found in iOS 10!

Once you’ve found an app or game you’d like to download, you’ll notice a redesigned app product page. The new product pages put a focus on content, providing up to three videos and five screenshots per listing alongside easy to see ratings, reviews and even awards if applicable.

It makes it much easier to spot highly rated (and even critically acclaimed) apps and games on the App Store.

Oh, and In-App Purchases are now searchable in the App Store and also appear within app product pages, making it easier to discover game upgrades and app unlocks.

It’s worth noting that 32-bit apps stop working in iOS 11 – here’s how to find out which apps won’t work in iOS 11. 

How to find and download apps

Beyond discovering new content in the Today, Games and Apps tab, you can use the Search feature to find a specific app, developer or in-app purchase in the App Store. It’s essentially the same as it has always been, although like the rest of the App Store it has had a facelift:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the Search tab in the bottom-right of the display (the magnifying glass icon).
3. Tap the search field, type your search query and tap the search button.
4. You’ll find a list of results – find the game or app you’ve been searching for.
5. You can either tap the icon to open the app product to get more information or you can tap the ‘Get’ (or the price if it’s paid) button to download it onto your iPhone or iPad.

If you’re new to iOS 11, you might also want to find out how to use Files for iPad. 

How to update apps

While things may look a little different in the Updates tab in iOS 11, it works in essentially the same way as before. For those new to the world iOS, here’s how to update apps:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tab the Updates tab to view the list of available app and game updates.
3. Tap the Update button next to individual apps if you want to prioritise the updates, or tap Update All to install all pending updates.

How to automatically update apps

While it’s easy enough to install app and game updates in the iOS 11 App Store, Apple also provides the option of automatically downloading and installing updates as they become available.

This negates the need to periodically check the Updates tab while still keeping your app library up-to-date.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the iTunes & App Store tab.
3. Under the ‘Automatic Downloads’ heading, toggle the Updates switch on.

It’s that simple!

How to disable updates over a mobile data connection

Sometimes you find yourself browsing the App Store when you’re out and about, and without even thinking about it, tap the download button on a new app or game. While this is fine for those with an unlimited mobile data allowance, that’s not the case for the majority of UK users, and it can take a chunk out of your monthly data allowance.

Apple does limit mobile data downloads to 100mb, but for those with only 1GB of data, that’s 10 percent of the monthly allowance. While it’s incredibly frustrating when that happens, there’s a way to make sure it doesn’t happen in future: disable app and game updates over a mobile data connection.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or (cellular-enabled) iPad.
2. Tap the iTunes & App Store tab.
3. Tap Use Cellular Data to toggle the switch off.

You’ll still be able to browse the App Store on a mobile connection, but you won’t be able to install new apps or updates.

You might also like: How to drag and drop in iOS 11